Policeman killed in Aceh

Policeman killed in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: One policeman belonging to the elite Mobile
Brigade (Brimob) was shot dead by an unidentified armed group at
Meunasah Krueng, Bireuen regency, Aceh on Saturday, putting the
fragile peace agreement between the government and Free Aceh
Movement (GAM) in jeopardy.

Spokesman for the Security Restoration Operation Comr. Taufiq
told the press in Banda Aceh that Private Elfis, a personnel of
Jakarta-based 3rd Brimob Regiment, was riding a motorbike when a
group of unidentified gunmen shot him from behind at around 2
p.m. Elfis died on the spot.

Elfis' body is currently being kept at Dr. Fauziah General
Hospital in Bireuen, some 200 kilometers east of Banda Aceh.

The government and GAM signed a peace deal last Dec. 9, under
which they agreed to end all hostilities. They also agreed to set
up a Joint Security Committee (JSC) to monitor the implementation
of the accord.

However, there have been many reports of skirmishes between
GAM and the military. A military personnel was injured on Friday
when his convey was ambushed by GAM at Makmur village, North
Aceh.

Taufik said he would report the incident to JSC, which began
its work on Friday.

"I think the case is the first homework for JSC which has to
be resolved thoroughly," Taufik was quoted by Antara as saying.

No group has claimed responsibility for the killing. --JP